Essays in the Fall 2009 issue of Dædalus on the global nuclear future examine the interconnected issues of a potential worldwide expansion of civilian nuclear power, attendant risks of weapons proliferation and nuclear terrorism, and the prospects for lessening the impact of climate change through growth in nuclear energy.

Joseph Kannarkat and Norm Augustine, cochair of Academy project on New Models for U.S. Science and Technology Policy, discuss the project’s final report and what the U.S. can learn from China to improve its competitiveness in technology development.

The Academy (founded in 1780) is looking ahead to its 250th anniversary as an opportunity for researching, writing, reflecting, and reckoning. There are two new initiatives: a book by distinguished historian Jacqueline Jones and a section of the website providing an overview of members, milestones, and work.